Thierry Henry starts last week's Champions League quarter-final, second leg against Arsenal in his now customary position on the Barcelona bench. Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

Raymond Domenech has refused to give assurances over Thierry Henry's place in France's 23-man squad for this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

The 32-year-old Barcelona forward was in the squad for France's last game against Spain, but there are no guarantees he will make the final cut for the World Cup, despite having dramatically and controversially helped Les Bleus reach the finals in the play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland by setting up the decisive goal with the aid of a blatant but unpunished handball.

Domenech told the French television show Canal Football Club that he would not make a decision until he is required to submit his initial selection: "It is a question that would arise on 11 May," he said

Henry was a member of the World Cup-winning squad in 1998 and the Euro 2000-winning team and has scored 51 times in 118 appearances for France. But his place is in jeopardy due to his limited playing time at Barcelona coupled with the wide array of attacking options at Domenech's disposal.

"I have deep respect for great players. Thierry has been, is [a great player]. He does not play, but he is at Barcelona and he plays in a big competition," added the coach. "But I cannot help 'Titi' in this way."

Another potential striker for France is Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea. Anelka has been critical of Domenech's regime, but the coach insisted he accepts comments from senior squad members.

"I do not take it as an attack," said Domenech. "When those who speak are the senior players, I'm happy. They are the ones who will save the team."